SLPHA Expands Youth Employment, Port Development Plans for 2027
Sahid Bangura The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government’s ‘Big Five Game Changers’, with a focus on youth employment, port infrastructure, women’s empowerment and trade facilitation in 2027.
SLPHA Director of Finance Andrew Tamba Kpulun made the disclosure on Thursday, October 1, during the Authority’s 2027 Budget Summary presentation at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown.
Kpulun said the Authority’s five-year strategic plan is aligned with the strategic plan of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the National Development Plan and the President’s manifesto.
He said SLPHA’s priorities for the next fiscal year include improving port infrastructure, strengthening staff capacity, expanding employment opportunities for young people and advancing the 30 percent quota for women’s empowerment.
On agriculture, Kpulun noted that the Port of Freetown plays an important role in transporting agricultural inputs and food commodities, supporting agricultural value chains and the Government’s ‘Feed Salone’ initiative.
He also disclosed that SLPHA has recruited more than 300 young people into permanent employment and plans to increase youth recruitment during the next fiscal year.
The Authority’s plans were welcomed by civil society representatives, non-state actors and media practitioners, who acknowledged SLPHA’s contribution to national development while urging continued efforts to prevent congestion at the port.
Members of the public also commended the Authority for meeting the 30 percent women’s employment and empowerment target and called for increased opportunities for women in the maritime sector.
The Ministry of Finance’s technical team described SLPHA’s 2027 budget presentation as “detailed and comprehensive.”